Slovakian Hound

Slovakian Hound – General Description

The Slovenský kopov (translated into English as Slovakian Hound) is a medium sized breed of hunting dog of the scenthound type. The breed originated in Slovakia, in Eastern Europe, and is bred for boar hunting. The name Black Forest Hound seems to have been created in North America for marketing purposes, since the breed has no connection with the Black Forest.

Classification and Standards

Character & Temperament

Slovakian Hounds are independent and strong-willed dogs. At the same time, these animals are quite easy going and have an excellent working drive. Slovakian Hounds are good with children and with other dogs.

History

A well known type of hunting dog since antiquity, today’s breed was first recognized in the 1870s. The breeds of Brandlbracke (Austrian Black and Tan Hound), Chart Polski, and Magyar Agar (Hungarian Greyhound) are believed to have been used in the breed’s background. The etymology of the name seems to refer to the dog’s color. The breed club was established in Bratislava in 1988.

The Slovenský kopov was s developed and is used as a hunting dog, not a pet or showdog. It is bred for hunting large game, especially wild boar. Although extremely common in its area of origin, it is rarely seen in other countries.[2] The Slovenský kopov is similar to other east European scenthounds in appearance and hunting style.

Recognition

The breed is recognized in its country of origin with the name Slovenský kopov, and is listed for international dog sports competition with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale under that name as breed number 244, in Group 6, Scenthounds and Related Breeds, Section 1.2 Medium-sized Hounds. Exported to North America, the breed is recognized under the English translation of its name, Slovakian Hound, by the United Kennel Club in the United States. The breed also may be registered under a variety of translations of the name, or created English names such as Black Forest Hound,[3] with minor kennel clubs, hunting clubs, and internet dog registry businesses, and promoted as a rare breed for those seeking an unusual hunting dog or a unique pet.

Size & Appearance

The Slovenský kopov or Slovakian Hound is a typical hunting hound in appearance, with a muscular body, long legs, a long tail, and long drop ears. The short coat is always black in color, with tan markings (black and tan). Dogs should be around 16 kg (35 lbs) in weight and 46 cm (18 ins) at the withers, with bitches somewhat smaller. Ideal size is described in the breed standard to discourage the breeding of overly large or excessively small dogs. Other measurements for the ideal hound are given in the Standard, in order to preserve breed type.[1] The breed is more heavily built than the similarly marked American Black and Tan Coonhound, but is more lightly built than the otherwise similar Ogar Polski, the more strongly built hound from Poland. The eyes are always dark, deep-set, and have a look of liveliness and courage.

Health & Maintenance

These dogs typically live into their teens and require regular brushing to maintain their coats. Slovakian Hounds are susceptible to health problems such as hip dysplasia, knee dysplasia, and eye problems.

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Breed Standard

Slovakian Hound (Slovenskў Kopov)

FCI-standard N° 244 /19.08.1996 / GB

TRANSLATION : Mrs. C.Seidler.

ORIGIN : Slovakia.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 16.04.1963.

UTILIZATION:

This breed is distinguished through its enduring hours-long following of a warm trail or scent while giving tongue. Also distinguished by its keenness and therefore used in its native country for hunting wild boar and predatory.

Skull : Flat domed top skull ; shape of a longish rectangle. Superciliary ridges and frontal furrow marked; occipital protuberance hardly marked. The direction of the axes of the muzzle
and of the skull is parallel.
Stop : Forms an angle of about 45°.

FACIAL REGION :

Nose : Always black in color, relatively large, moderately tapering;
nostrils moderately open.
Muzzle : Bridge of nose straight, in keeping with the skull long and not too broad.
Lips : Not overlapping, close fitting with noticeable opened corner of mouth.
Jaw / Theeth : Jaws of regular shape, firm, with well developed complete bite.
Eyes : Dark, set in somewhat deep. Show liveliness and courage. Eyelids always black; almond shaped.
Leathers : Set on somewhat above the line of the eyes, carried flat along the head, with rounded tip and of medium length.
NECK :

Well set, carried at an angle of 135°, rather short, muscular
and without loose skin.

2-5 cm long, medium coarse, close fitting and dense; longer on back, neck and tail. Undercoat dense, especially during winter months, but must not be lacking in summer.

COLOR :

Black with brown to mahogany colored tan markings on limbs.

HEIGHT AND WEIGHT :

Height at withers for males 45 to 50 cm.
Height at withers for females 40 to 45 cm.

Weight : 15 to 20 kg.

FAULTS :

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.